Geneva Preshow: Jeep Adds New 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel to Grand Cherokee Range

Given that over forty per cent of all cars sold in Europe are diesel-powered, any brand that wants to be successful in the market must have diesel options in its range. Following the presentation of its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel on the Chrysler 300's European clone, the Lancia Thema, the Fiat Group is now introducing the oil-burner to the Jeep Grand Cherokee range for Europe and other diesel markets around the world.

The new V6 diesel engine is built by VM Motori and has been developed together with Fiat Powertrain, which is a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The 3.0-liter unit features Fiat's MultiJet II system which enables up to eight injections per cycle, with the possibility of managing the two main injections in a single modular profile (IRS � Injection Rate Shaping). It is also fitted with a single Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

In the Grand Cherokee, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel is offered in two guises, the most powerful of which produces 241HP at 4,000 rpm and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm, with the company claiming a 10 percent gain in power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces.

Despite the improved performance, Jeep said fuel economy for the 241HP version returns 8.3 lt/100km (equal to 28.4 mpg US) on the combined European cycle, an improvement of 17 percent over the prior diesel engine. CO2 emissions (are also reduced by 17 percent, now at 218 g/km.

Jeep will also offer a lower-output version of the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel rated at 190HP at 4,000 rpm and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of peak torque available from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The low-output version of the turbo diesel engine will be standard on Laredo models and optional on the Limited

The new 3.0-liter turbo diesel variants of the Grand Cherokee will receive their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and be available in Europe by the end of the first half of 2011.

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Jeep to Revive Grand Wagoneer Nameplate with New 7-Seat SUV, Marchionne Says Commander was "Unfit for Human Consumption"

In talking with reporters on Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chrysler and Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to bring the Jeep Grand Wagoneer nameplate back to life with an all-new seven seat SUV model, based on the underpinnings of the recently launched Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

�It's time we gave the market an upper-scale Grand Wagoneer,� said Marchionne. �You'll see it in January 2013.�

As expected, reporters asked Marchionne how the Grand Wagoneer would differ from the seven-seat Jeep Commander, which Chrysler killed last year. The CEO's answer was piercingly honest: �That car was unfit for human consumption. We sold some. But I don't know why people bought them.�

Marchionne also said that the group plans to kill one of the group's two traditional minivans (either the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country) for the next generation. It is believed that the Dodge model has more chances to remain in production. The firm's CEO added the brand that loses the minivan will most likely get some kind of "people mover", possibly without sliding rear doors.

The Chrysler Group is also close to making a decision on a successor for the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs. �It's the most significant hole in our product portfolio,� said Marchionne, adding that the Nitro needs to be replaced but not necessarily by a Dodge-branded model as Chrysler could also be up to the task. �Give us about 40 days� to make a decision, he said.

Last but not least for the Chrysler brand's fans, Marchionne re-confirmed the group's commitment to the V8 engine. �We need to continue to invest in the Hemi," he said.

Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]

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Jeep Announces 70th Anniversary Edition Models at Detroit Motor Show

After releasing a barrage of refreshed models, Chrysler's Jeep division is now banking on a series of special edition models created to celebrate the brand's 70th anniversary.

�As part of our celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep brand, we are creating stunning, premium special-edition models of each vehicle in our lineup that pay homage to the history of the legendary Jeep brand,� said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep.

The 70th Anniversary Edition lineup includes the 2011 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler, all of which are distinguished by certain unique features such as specific alloy wheels and trim options, and will all be available in a special Bronze Star exterior paint, in addition to Bright Silver and Black. The special edition models are scheduled to arrive in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2011.

More details as well as pricing for each model can be found in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

2011 Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. Manufacturer�s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,270 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Compass Limited models. Features include:

• Unique, 18-inch aluminum wheel
• 70th Anniversary badge
• Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
• Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding
• Unique dark green cluster overlay
• Chestnut stitching in steering wheel
• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition is $35,770 (plus $780 destination). It is available on Grand Cherokee Laredo X models. Features include:

• Unique, polished 20-inch aluminum wheel with Mineral Gray pockets
• 70th Anniversary badge
• Dark Olive leather seats with perforated inserts with Chestnut accent stitching and piping
• Black/Dark Olive with Chestnut accents is also available
• Door bolster and armrest in Dark Olive and wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching
• Center console in Dark Olive perforated leather wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching
• Black leather wrapped steering wheel with Chestnut accent stitching
• Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
• New satin chrome-plated, graphite anodized paint and Black Lacewood interior finish
• Unique cluster overlay and needles
• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen

2011 Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,770 (plus $745 destination). It is available on Liberty Sport or Limited models. Features include:

• Unique 18-inch Mopar wheel with polished face and painted pockets (optional on Sport)
• 70th Anniversary badge
• Bright body-side moldings, roof rails and license plate brow
• Dark Olive/Dark Slate leather seats with Chestnut accent stitching and piping
• Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent
• Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent
• New interior satin chrome accents and bezels in anodized Silver and Black Lacewood finish
• Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
• Unique cluster overlay and needles
• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
• Mopar stainless steel sill plates

2011 Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $22,170 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Patriot Latitude X models. Features include:

• 17-inch aluminum wheel
• 70th Anniversary badge
• Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
• Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding
• Unique dark green cluster overlay
• Chestnut stitching in steering wheel
• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen

2011 Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $28,670 (plus $750 destination) for 2-door models and $31,370 (plus $750 destination) for Unlimited models. It is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models. Features include:

• Unique 18-inch wheel
• 70th Anniversary badge
• Dark Olive seats with perforated leather inserts and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
• Satin chrome HVAC rings, front doorpulls and grab handle
• Automatic shift knob with satin chrome cap and bezel
• Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent
• Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent
• Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
• Unique cluster overlay and needles
• 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
• Mopar brushed aluminum sill plates

2011 Jeep vehicle lineup
Jeep builds on its tradition of providing unique, iconic, versatile and capable vehicles for 2011, with its next-generation, premium flagship vehicle � the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee � and with significant changes across the Jeep vehicle lineup.

With the greatest range of SUVs under one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio consists of:

• Compass: A compact SUV with a new sophisticated, premium design for 2011, the Jeep Compass delivers unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value
• Grand Cherokee: The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures
• Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated� 4x4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider� open canvas roof
• Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and segment leading capability
• Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models
• Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011 and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models

• 
  

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LA Show Preview: New Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet Editions

The full of activity Chrysler Group will be unveiling a pair of premium editions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty [Cherokee in Europe] at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet models benefit from added standard content as well as bespoke styling features, and are scheduled to arrive in dealerships next month.

Starting with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, the flagship edition is available in a new and unique Rugged Brown paint scheme, as well as Mineral Gray, White Gold and Black. It sports a fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels while riding on 20-inch bright, polished aluminum wheels.

Inside, Jeep's designers adorned the cabin with unique Black Olive burl real wood trim which is found on the dashboard, door panels and the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The Overland Summit also boasts a Black lower and New Saddle upper interior trim color, along with saddle-color Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching. The Berber floor mats with Black and Chestnut accent binding complete the look.

Standard features on the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit include the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.

Pricing for the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition starts at $42,495 (plus $780 destination) for 4x2 models, and $45,995 (plus $780 destination) for the 4x4 versions.

Moving on the 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet, buyers can choose from four exterior colors - Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry. Exterior upgrades include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels fitted with P245/50R20 all-season tires; chrome lower fascia opening, body side moldings, license plate brow, roof rails and mirror caps; blacked-out headlamps; and unique 'Jet' badging.

Inside, the Jet edition of the Liberty gains an array of standard features such as a 9-speaker premium audio system; a security system with supplemental side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist; available Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching; heated front seats, available with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; and one-touch up/down power windows.

The Liberty Jet is offered as an optional package with an MSRP of $1,495 on the Liberty Sport models and $995 on Liberty Limited versions.

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Marchionne Says Jeep Grand Cherokee Platform Could be Used on New Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati SUVs

Launched in June, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee has enjoyed a massive success, as sales last month were up 291% compared to October 2009. So it comes to no surprise that Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler, is considering the use of the Grand Cherokee's architecture on a variety of new models including Fiat, Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs, and possibly for a future Chrysler variant.

"The [Grand Cherokee] architecture has legs. It's important for us to tap all of the hard work that has gone on inside Chrysler on the new Grand Cherokee," said Marchionne during a conference call on the Chrysler Group's Q3 financial results. "It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated."

Marchionne added that the Grand Cherokee's platform, which was developed with Chrysler's former partner Mercedes-Benz, is capable of handling more powerful engines.

If a decision were to be made, all versions of these SUVs could enter the market as early as 2012 with production to most likely take place at the Jefferson North plant, which already runs two shifts, but can easily accommodate a third should the need arise.

The Detroit plant is an obvious choice as it has shown critical progress in the quality of assembly. "I'm delighted with the performance of the Jefferson plant here in Michigan" Mr. Marchionne added.

The same plant is also used for the trial production of the 2011 Dodge Durango, which is also based on the new Grand Cherokee and is scheduled to go on sale next month.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detroit News & Automonews

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Mopar Tunes from SEMA Show Including Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Here are the first real life photos of some of the Mopar-tuned Chrysler Group products that were introduced at the SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas. If you follow the break, you can find photos of the customized Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus a video with Mark Allen, head of Jeep Product Design, showing off three new Jeep studies.

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Mopar to Show 35 Tuned Vehicles Including 2011 Dodge Durango at SEMA Show

Wrapping up our preview on the Chrysler Group's 2010 SEMA Show offerings, we've grouped up the rest of Mopar's products in a gallery after the jump. All in all, Chrysler's in-house tuning division will showcase a total of 35 vehicles in Las Vegas.

Aside from the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and RedLine Charger, and Fiat 500 that we've already told you about in previous posts, it's worth mentioning that Mopar is reading a luxed-up version of the 2011 Dodge Durango called "Black and Tan" as well as an "Off-Road Edition" of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Durango's highlights include a special shiny black paint color, Nappa leather seats, 22-inch alloys, a lower suspension and chrome trim, while the Grand Cherokee's features include 33-inch BFG Mud-Terrain tires, skid plates, rock rails and tow hooks. Scroll down for the photo gallery.

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